The Federal Government has officially launched the National Task Force (NTF) on the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), a crucial move aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s agricultural exports to the European market.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, emphasized the importance of the task force, noting that it will play a vital role in aligning Nigeria’s agricultural practices with international standards. This alignment is essential to maintaining access to the EU market, which remains a major destination for Nigerian products.

“The deforestation regulation by the EU came into effect on June 29, 2023, with an 18-month implementation window ending in December 2024,” Kyari explained, stressing the urgency of compliance.

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The minister pointed out the serious consequences of non-compliance with the EUDR, which could significantly impact key Nigerian exports like cocoa, rubber, soya, and timber. Together, these products make up a substantial portion of Nigeria’s trade with the EU, contributing to an export value of €523 million.

Kyari also called for cooperation among all stakeholders, both within the government and the private sector, to meet the EUDR’s standards. “We have an extremely urgent and important duty ahead, and it is essential that we work together,” he urged.

He highlighted the need to update Nigeria’s forest mapping, last completed in 1959, and to establish a national traceability system across the country’s agricultural value chains. This, he said, is crucial to ensuring transparency and compliance with the EU’s new regulations.

The establishment of the National Task Force on EUDR marks a significant step towards protecting Nigeria’s agricultural interests while fostering sustainable practices in line with global standards.